‘There was no external pressure': Rajnath Singh rubbishes all claims during Lok Sabha debate
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Indian Express
20 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Centre advises UP to assess Yamuna rubber dam's potential impact on Taj Mahal foundation
The Centre has advised the Uttar Pradesh government to scientifically assess the potential impact of the proposed Yamuna rubber dam on the Taj Mahal's foundation and structural integrity, Lok Sabha was told Thursday. The state government plans to construct the rubber dam 1.5 km downstream of the monument in Agra. A rubber dam is made of fabric coated with rubber. The height of the rubber dam can be adjusted by regulating the amount of water or air inside it. It is fixed on a concrete foundation and can be inflated or deflated to control the river's flow. In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Minister of State of Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary said Uttar Pradesh's Irrigation and Water Resources Department has been 'advised to conduct a detailed scientific assessment & Hydro geological study of the potential impact of impounding water through the proposed rubber dam on the foundation and structural integrity of the Taj Mahal…' He said the state has also been asked to furnish details of a mechanism to ensure continuous flow in the river 'so as to tackle water quality'. 'Upon receipt of such proposals, NMCG (National Mission on Clean Ganga) undertakes a detailed examination to assess potential impacts on river morphology, ambient environment, structural integrity of the proposed structures, etc. before granting approval. This review also considers the status of statutory clearances obtained from relevant departments and agencies, as applicable,' the minister said in response to a question by BJP member Rajkumar Chahar. In March 2019, the Uttar Pradesh government had sought clearance for the project from the NMCG, which comes under the Jal Shakti Ministry. The same year, the state also moved a proposal seeking environmental clearance. According to the proposal, 28.975 hectares — comprising river areas, government land, barren land and agricultural land — are required for the dam and other facilities. In 2022, the Jal Shakti Ministry informed Rajya Sabha that as per the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) there was no threat to the stability of the foundation of Taj Mahal. 'Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has informed that there is no threat to the stability of the foundation of Taj Mahal. It is further informed by ASI that regular monitoring is done by ASI in this regard and that the monument is in a good state of conservation,' said Bishweswar Tudu, then Minister of State for Jal Shakti, in a written reply to Lok Sabha on August 1, 2022. Tudu's reply came in response to Rajya Sabha member Dr Ashok Bajpai, who had asked 'whether government is aware that for want of a dam/barrage on river Yamuna, there is a threat to the stability of the foundation of the iconic Taj Mahal'.
NDTV
24 minutes ago
- NDTV
BJP MP Ravi Kishan, Seeking New Law On Food Prices, Uses Samosa Example
New Delhi: BJP MP and actor Ravi Kishan on Wednesday asked the Centre to make a law to regulate prices of food items served in eateries, be it hotels, restaurants, or dhabas. During zero hour in the Lok Sabha, the BJP MP from Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur said the prices, quality and quantity of food items are different everywhere. A uniformity is needed, he said. "Somewhere you get a Samosa at X rate in a dhaba while it is served at Y price point," Mr Kishan said, adding the size of samosas also vary. "You get dal tadka at some outlets for Rs 100, while at others it is Rs 120, and in a hotel it is Rs 1,000," he said. One of the consequences of such pricing is that people can't decide how much to order, Mr Kishan said. For example, he said, if four people go out to eat, they have no idea how much quantity they will get at any given price. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought transformative changes in many areas, but this matter has not got enough attention, the BJP MP said. "Therefore, I demand that the government bring a law to regulate prices of food items, their quality and quantity so that customers get them at affordable prices," he said. He said the law should make it a must for eateries to mention the quantity of food items that people will get, similarly to biscuit or bread packets that mention the weight or number of pieces.
News18
44 minutes ago
- News18
Armys Sapta Shakti Command honours BSF officers, veterans
Jaipur, Jul 31 (PTI) The Army's Sapta Shakti Command on Thursday organised a felicitation ceremony titled 'Samanvay' at the Bikaner Military Station to honour BSF officers and veterans for their contributions to nation-building, officials said. The event was aimed at fostering civil-military synergy and was attended by Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, Army Commander, Sapta Shakti Command, along with senior officers, Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, civil administrators and veterans. The ceremony highlighted the spirit of 'military-civil fusion", particularly during Operation Sindoor, where coordinated efforts played a key role in its success, officials said. 'The unwavering support of civil authorities has always ensured seamless operations. This fusion of forces, in spirit and action, is crucial to build a Viksit Bharat by 2047," Lt Gen Singh said in his address. He also emphasised the need for a 'whole-of-nation" approach in the evolving geopolitical landscape and underlined the shared responsibilities of military, paramilitary and civil institutions. The Army also acknowledged Bikaner's developmental efforts and called for collaborative initiatives to promote tourism in border areas, which could help transform the region into a tourism hub. BSF officers and Army veterans were felicitated for their service during Operation Sindoor. The event concluded with a reaffirmation of collective commitment to national progress. PTI AG OZ OZ (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 31, 2025, 20:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
